MARCHING FORWARD IN FREEDOM
Our minds are powerful tools. They have the capability of reminiscing on beautiful moments and dreaming of the future. But they can also hold us back, reminding us of past mistakes, failures, and painful times. Those moments can come without warning, and if we are not careful, they become a spinning record preventing us from stepping into new opportunities.
Why would I try this again? It didn’t go anywhere last time.
Why would I voice my opinion? It was shut down by others before.
How could anyone love me after I messed up so badly?
No one will ever be able to see past that failure.
Do any of these thoughts sound familiar?
Remembering the pain of the past—either things you’ve done or things done to you—can be crippling.
Yet, freedom can be found despite one’s past, and there is hope in its midst.
Isaiah 43:18 – 19 speaks directly to this idea. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
This section of Scripture is looking forward to the hope the Israelites have after being in exile, under the rule of a foreign country, because of their disobedience to the Lord.
The Israelites had every reason to focus on their mistakes. To beat themselves up over the decisions and actions they took to satisfy their desires and disobey God.
Now, please, don’t hear me saying you shouldn’t feel remorse over sinful decisions, because that is conviction from the Lord, which is good! But when it becomes a feeling of guilt, especially after there’s been repentance, it can lead to shame and feeling inadequate, which is where the enemy wants you to stay.
Why would the enemy want people in this position? Because it means there’s less likelihood you’ll speak the grace of Jesus over your circumstances and step into the redemption Jesus bought for you on the cross and wants to continue working on in your life!
Therefore, this reminder was important to the Israelites and us today.
In the midst of their exile, and even after they were rescued and brought back to their own land, the Israelites probably thought, Now what God?What are you doing and what are we supposed to do since we messed up big time?
In the preceding verses, the Lord reminds them of a few things.
1. He is their Redeemer (v1, 14).
2. He will bring down the Babylonians, their captors, who seemed so powerful (v14 – 15).
3. He saved them from the Egyptians; He can save them again (v16 – 17).
Then, He so graciously tells them not to focus on what’s happened in the past—their mistakes. Rather, look! Because He is doing something new. It’s springing up from a dry, hot, and seemingly hopeless place.
God is in the business of restoration and redemption! He is taking what seems dead and is bringing life to it.
There is hope and a call to action in these verses for us today.
Whatever area of your past feels like it’s weighing you down, give it to the Lord. That area was where you were, not where you are going.
New life is sprouting from a place that appeared barren. So, keep learning about the truth of God and His Word.
He is an amazing and gracious God who takes our brokenness and sin and gives us life—all for His glory. Step into what God wants to do in your life and experience freedom.
~Laura
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
(Stay tuned during the next few weeks for some posts from my wonderful friends and what they have learned about freedom!
I’d also love to hear your feedback on this series, so leave a comment below!)